U.S. Forces Seize Sanctioned Tanker M/T Majestic X Carrying Iranian Oil in Indian Ocean | WATCH
This is the latest in a series of U.S. interdictions targeting Iran’s “shadow fleet” of tankers used to export oil and evade sanctions. The operation extends American enforcement far beyond the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran continues to impose tolls and restrictions on shipping amid the fragile ceasefire.
U.S. military forces conducted a successful maritime interdiction and boarding of the M/T Majestic X, a sanctioned tanker transporting Iranian crude oil, in the Indian Ocean early Thursday.
The Department of Defense announced the operation, stating that U.S. forces carried out a “right-of-visit” boarding of the vessel within the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility. The boarding was completed without incident, and footage released by the Pentagon shows American troops on the deck of the tanker.
Vessel Details
U.S. Statement
The Pentagon said:“Overnight, U.S. forces carried out a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding of the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T Majestic X transporting oil from Iran… We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate. International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels.”
The seizure comes as the Trump administration maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports and demands the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian tolls or limitations. It also follows recent Iranian actions against commercial vessels in the strait.
The fate of the M/T Majestic X and its cargo has not yet been publicly detailed. Options under consideration include offloading the oil or towing the vessel to a friendly port.